Module 7: Checkpoint 8—Video format

Requirements

Benefits of conformance

Ensures universal access to online video content.

Compatibility with mobile devices.

Risks of non-conformance

User frustration.

Implementation advice

More information

Open formats are preferred over proprietary formats. Open file formats can be used and implemented by both proprietary and open source software. Proprietary formats can only be used and implemented by vendor-specific software.

Open formats allow all web users an equal opportunity to play the video regardless of browser, device, operating system or access to proprietary software.

Open formats also serve to future-proof video content as they can always be distributed, re-encoded or converted without commercial restrictions.

Formats such as WMV, RealVideo, MPEG and AVI are not considered ideal for embedding, due to limited cross-browser compatibility. However these formats may be offered in addition to open formats.

Additional formats or alternate downloads with smaller file sizes may be provided and can help users with bandwidth limitations to access online video.